Photo courtesy of Newton PoliceJeffrey MullerAuthorities are searching for a 59-year-old businessman who disappeared early this morning outside of the Newton pet store he owns, police said.

Family members believe Jeffrey Muller arrived at J&G Discount Pet Foods to open the shop, but when a relative showed up at the East Clinton Street store a few hours later, they found the store locked and called police, according to Lt. Robert Osborn.

Police discovered Muller’s eyeglasses and lunch in the store parking lot, where his vehicle was also parked and locked, Osborn said. Authorities are not sure if Muller was taken by force from the location, and are currently treating his disappearance as a missing-person case.

Muller was last seen wearing a hunter green sweatshirt, a baseball cap, jeans, sneakers and a flannel jacket, Osborn said. The businessman, who has blue eyes and thin gray hair, stands at 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds.

Osborn was not sure if Muller had any pre-existing medical conditions or a history of disappearing. Anyone who has seen or had contact with Muller is asked to call the Newton Police Department at (973) 383-2525.